Question

Which lines from "Sympathy" best express the idea that the speaker can relate to the caged bird’s plight?
“When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass,
And the river flows like a stream of glass;”
“When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,
And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—”
“I know why the caged bird beats his wing
Till its blood is red on the cruel bars;”
“When he beats his bars and he would be free;
It is not a carol of joy or glee,”

Answer 1

Lines 3 and 4.
“I know why the caged bird beats his wing / Till its blood is red on the cruel bars; / When he beats his bars and he would be free; It is not a carol of joy or glee,”

These lines explicitly state “I know why,” showing the speaker’s understanding and empathy, and describe the bird’s suffering and longing for freedom.